HE12542212004

Conexiones is an initiative by the El Paso Independent School District to bring its knowledge and experience as a language education leader to military connected students. Historically, the district's three thousand eight hundred seventy-nine military connected students from Fort Bliss have had lower participation in dual language because their high mobility prohibits them from taking part in the comprehensive elementary program.

Bliss, Hughey, Milam, and Powell Elementary Schools will pilot the alternative program Conexiones that will provide K through 5 students with Spanish language education complemented by lessons on Hispanic culture. As military connected students learn about the arts, customs, and traditions of the predominantly Hispanic region, those who were unfamiliar with the culture will gain exposure to help them acclimate to the broader community.

Outside of regular classroom activities, Conexiones will engage parents through monthly program newsletters and family night activities culminating in the annual World Language Festival, further cementing the connections between military connected families and the greater El Paso community.

The program will be supported by professional development for teachers and administrators that will build El Paso ISD capacity to implement Conexiones and eventually expand it to other campuses and student populations. Ultimately, this world language initiative will not only increase students' exposure to the Spanish language and culture of the area surrounding Fort Bliss but also teach them cultural competencies that will help them feel less isolated from the community. These are transferable skills that will serve military connected students through future relocations, higher education, and their eventual careers.

EL Paso Independent School District

12.556 - Competitive Grants: Promoting K-12 Student Achievement at Military-Connected Schools

DOD Education Activity (DODEA) [DoD]

El Paso, Texas 799024109 United States

Single Zip Code

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